The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-07-14
THE MUSICAL UNION.
Activity in the Ranks of the Mem
bership-A Stirring Letter.

bership-A Stirring Letter.
The following circular, which was issued
by the executive board of the Austin
Musical union, is so pointed and so COM
plete in setting forth worthy aim, that
ii is given without comment:
AUSTIN, Texas, July 2, 1887.
At a recent meeting of the Austin
Musical union it was decided that a cir
cular letter be sent to each member, and
also to those who might, later on, become
interested In our work, outlining the flu
ture policy of the management of the
union, its aims and expectations.
All true lovers of music are glad to see
and should encourage, to the best of their
ability, any movement looking to the ad-
vancement of this beautiful art. The or
ganization of such people, and their
united and harmonious work affords re-
creation and pleasure in the result OBJ
tanned, which is not confined alone to
those Immediately participating. Music
has more devotees and admirers than any
other one art, and as the stand
and is elevated and the taste cultivated,
the delight in rendering and hearing
grows proportionately. 1t is the inten-
ton of the union to improve, and to do so,
prompt and regular attendance and at
tentive and earnest work at each rehearsal
is absolutely necessary. The union has
good material, but to obtain better re-
suits this material must be as pliable and
obedient as clay in potter's hand-to use
homely illustration. 1t has been deemed
advisable to give herewith some extracts
from our constitution and by laws, to show
what has been formulated by the commit
tee appointed to revise and add to the
same. Hitherto our rules, etc. have been
a dead letter. There will be revolution
in this respect hereafter. Better far a
limited number, if necessary, of earnest
workers, than an unlimited number of
those who take no real interest, and who
attend when they "feel like it." The
former results in finished performance,
a gratified audience and some degree, at
least, of reward to the faithful and pains
taking conductor; the latter case
means unnecessary hard work for the
faithful performers and conductor in
cluded-with ragged performances, and
an impossibility to fix beforehand the
number of concerts, with their dates,
which the union may desire to give dur
ing the season. 1t is proposed to limit
our active mem bership. The result will
be beneficial; we have the experience of
prosperous societies to that effect. If nee
essary, it will be simple thing to amend
the laws on this point at any time. 1t
will be required of all active members
that they shall have fair voice, a good ear
and reasonable ability to read concerted
music; and "Musical union night" must be
set apart sacredly-so to speak-so that
nothing ordinary shall interfere with reg
ular and prompt attendance. If re-
hearsals begin at $3.50, no one will prob
ably care to leave before being dismissed
by the conductor. 1t has heretofore fire..
quently been the case that rehearsals have
not commenced till long after O'Clock
and even then members are often mat
tentive. There are doubtless in our city 6
number of good singers who would be GLAD
to join the union did they have any as
surance of it sdesire to attain high stan
dard and to conduct its affairs in general
systematically.
To touch on another point: the meet
ings of tho union can combine with its
primary object, already alluded to, the
social pleasure of meeting and talking
with ones friends and acquaintance
without interfering, by loud conversation
and laughter, with the rehearsal. An in
Permission of sufficient length will enable
anyone to do as much talking as will bt
found necessary until after the rehearsal
is over, but during the practice or rendi
ton of any piece it must be understood
that any louder talk than whisper will
not be allowed On next Tuesday evening
July ~, at $3.50 o'clock, the constitution
and bylaws, which are not long, will bt
read and acted upon, and all who desire
to continue their membership, or to joi1
either as associate or active members, will
have full understanding of their duties
and privileges. 1t is sincerely hoped tina
that there will be very full attendance
To those who have not yet manifested any
special interest in the "Austin Musica
union" cordial invitation is extended tc
attend the above meeting and join tn,
union, either as an active or associat,
(''honorary") Notwithstanding t.
their inclination or musica
ability. To 'all music loving
people, who have any desire to stimulate
this favorite art in your city, we say
show by your presence and support al
appreciation of the work of the union
and so encourage the members and con
ductor to renewed efforts. Let the unio1
be feature IN our social world, and sucf
an organization that it shall be a credi
and pleasure to belong to. Below ar,
given extracts, condensed from the con-
stitution and bylaws, to which your al
tention is invited.
Membershp-Limited to fifty active
members. Honorary Tor associate) mem
bership unlimited.
Discrimination fee, payable upon ap
plication for membership, is 81. The regu
lar monthly dues for active members are
so cents, payable in advance. Honorary
or associate) members dues are $40 pei
year, payable semi-annually.
Benefts-Each active or associate mem
Der shall receive two admissions to eacl
performance.
Meetings-Every Tuesday evening. Rol
call at $3.50 o'clock during summer months
and o'clock in winter.
A FOOLS Errand.